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2009 election to come before 2008 vote?
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Just one day before Americans go to the polls to elect the next president, New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg (I) will switch the focus from the 2008 elections to those of 2009.
All eyes will be on City Hall Monday, where the mayor is set to sign controversial legislation to allow him to seek a third term. Before signing the bill the mayor is anticipated to get an earful from critics who want the issue put to the voters via ballot referendum. By law the public has the legal right to speak for or against any bill immediately before he signs it, although it is a privilege that individuals rarely avail themselves of. A coalition of civic leaders and elected officials have called on the public to take advantage of that right.
"The topic of term limits has dominated the news for months, but the voices mainly heard on this subject were elected officials and the newspapers themselves," said New York City Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum (D). "Contrary to what some are saying, there was very little opportunity for public input or dialogue. Most egregious was the lack of a referendum on the issue. That's why I urge New Yorkers to use their last chance on Monday to speak face to face with the mayor before he signs the term limits bill."
The website, www.letnycvote.com, set up by Rep. Anthony Weiner (D - Brooklyn/Queens), a 2009 mayoral candidate and the Working Families Party to sign people up to testify at public hearings on the matter is now urging people to come out tomorrow morning at 9:30 a.m. and urge the mayor to veto his own legislation. The Mayor's office has set a two minute time limit for speakers.
"The Mayor and the City Council may be able to take your vote away, but they can't take away your right to speak," said Weiner. "I hope every New Yorker comes out and tells the Mayor that the people should have the right to vote on term limits."
"You have a chance to redeem yourself and respect the people's process," said City Council Member Charles Barron (D - Brooklyn)., a 2009 candidate for Brooklyn Borough President "Don't sign it. Don't sign your bill."
But some say it won't matter. "Once the mayor walks into the Blue Room, he's made up his mind as to whether or not he's going to sign the bill," said a political consultant, speaking on the condition of anonymity.
The consultant called the opportunity for public comment "a mere formality." He was however concerned about he mayor’s timing, saying that the attention and energy drawn to the bill signing the day before Election Day could distract voters from "where their attention should be," Tuesday's election. "It would seem logical that we get the 2008 election out of the way before we start focusing on the 2009 election."
The Mayor's press secretary Stu Loeser responded Sunday, saying, "With all due respect, a moon landing wouldn't overshadow this Presidential election."
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term limits ·
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Loeser
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